Key FBI Agent Identified as Frederick Humphries

In this July 25, 2005 photo, FBI Agent Fredrick Humphries listens during a news conference after the sentencing of Ahmed Ressam at the Federal Courthouse in Seattle. Humphries has been identified as the agent socialite Jill Kelley contacted to complain about harassing emails sent by Gen. David Petraeus’ paramour, Paula Broadwell. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey)

The FBI agent who helped start the Petraeus probe was identified Wednesday as Frederick Humphries, 47 years old, an agent who investigated the 1999 Millennium terror plot, in which a bomber attempted to cross into the U.S. from Canada to carry out an attack at Los Angeles International Airport, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Mr. Humphries, who was first identified in a New York Times report, is the subject of an internal investigation. FBI officials became concerned that he was too involved in the case and that he went to congressional officials to complain about the way it was being handled.

U.S. officials familiar with the probe said Mr. Humphries took the initial report from Jill Kelley, a friend who complained of receiving cyberstalking messages that she considered harassing. The FBI probe eventually led to Ms. Broadwell. Investigators found that Mr. Humphries had sent shirtless photos of himself to Ms. Kelley well before the email investigation had begun.

Jon Adler, president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, defended the agent as an experienced professional. “From my view issues of national security have unfortunately been reduced to a bad episode of ‘Real Housewives,’ ” he said. “The photos should not undermine the fact that the agent responded in a timely way and appropriately, nor do they reflect any amorous relationship,” he said.

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